If you’re going through a divorce in Anderson or the surrounding Upstate area, you may be considering hiring a private investigator. At Upstate Private Investigators, we understand that divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged process. Our experienced team can assist in gathering evidence and uncovering valuable information to support your case.
All too often, men and women wait until after they file for divorce to hire an Anderson private investigator. Unfortunately, by the time your spouse is served with the divorce complaint, they have already covered their tracks.
As much as nobody wants to admit that they need to hire a private investigator to follow their spouse, sometimes it’s the only way to protect yourself. If you have the feeling that your spouse is doing something they shouldn’t be, then you have a right to know what’s going on. Sometimes that means hiring a private investigator to confirm or deny your suspicions.
Why Hire a Private Investigator for Divorce?
There are several compelling reasons to consider hiring a private investigator during divorce proceedings.
Cheating
Infidelity is one of the most common reasons people hire private investigators during divorce proceedings. Suspecting your husband or wife of cheating can be devastating, and concrete evidence of an affair is often required to support claims of adultery. PIs use a variety of methods to uncover adultery, including surveillance, monitoring online activities, and interviewing potential witnesses.
They can follow your partner in public places to document interactions and gather photographic or video evidence. This information can be pivotal in divorce cases, influencing alimony decisions and settlement agreements.
Locating Hidden Money and Assets
Financial deception is a significant concern in divorce cases. One party may attempt to hide assets and money to avoid fair distribution during the divorce process. This puts the other spouse at an unfair disadvantage.
Private investigators are skilled at conducting thorough financial investigations to locate hidden assets. They can examine bank accounts, property records, and business dealings to uncover undisclosed wealth. By providing detailed reports and evidence, PIs ensure that the division of property is fair and equitable, protecting the financial interests of their clients.
Child Custody Investigations
Child custody is often the most contentious issue in a divorce, with each parent striving to prove they are the better caregiver. Private investigators can conduct child custody investigations to gather evidence that supports their client’s claim for custody.
This might involve observing the interactions between the child and the other parent, documenting the parent’s behavior and lifestyle, and ensuring that the child’s welfare is not compromised. PIs can provide evidence of neglect, abuse, or unsuitable living conditions, which can be crucial in custody cases. Their findings help ensure that the child’s best interests are prioritized in custody arrangements.
Verifying Income and Employment
Both partners in a divorce have a legal obligation to accurately report financial assets, but not everyone is honest. An investigator can help confirm your spouse’s true income and employment status, which is crucial for determining alimony and child support. A PI can also locate hidden money that your ex or soon-to-be-ex wants to conceal.
Documenting Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Substance abuse by a spouse can have a significant impact on divorce proceedings, particularly in terms of child custody and visitation rights. Private investigators can document instances of drug or alcohol abuse, providing concrete evidence that can influence the court’s decisions.
This might include surveillance to observe the spouse’s behavior, interviews with acquaintances or witnesses, and collecting records of arrests or rehabilitation efforts.
You’ll Want to Gather Evidence Before You Tip Your Spouse Off
The minute your spouse finds out that you’ve hired a private investigator, they will start covering their tracks and coming up with their back story. If somebody is sneaky enough to cheat on you or hide money from you, they’re certainly able to come up with a story to convince you that they’re not doing anything out of the ordinary.
Rather than only having an inkling or hunch, it’s a good idea to have concrete proof before you approach your spouse with your suspicions. If you’ve already talked to a divorce attorney, let them know that you’re thinking about hiring a private investigator in Anderson, SC. This way, we can share any information with them, and they can use it to craft your divorce complaint.
For example, even though you no longer need to prove fault to get a divorce, it certainly helps if you have proof that your spouse is cheating. While this usually only provides you with leverage, it can still help when you negotiate your divorce settlement.
What a PI Does in a Divorce Investigation
Divorce investigations require a meticulous approach to uncovering the truth. Private investigators (PIs) employ a variety of methods to gather information that can help your divorce case, such as proof of cheating or other misconduct.
Surveillance
Surveillance is one of the most common techniques used by private investigators in divorce cases. This method involves monitoring your spouse’s activities and movements. For instance, surveillance can provide proof of extramarital affairs by capturing meetings with third parties.
Surveillance can also be used to document neglectful or harmful behavior, such as substance abuse or inappropriate interactions, which may be relevant in child custody disputes.
Background Checks
Private investigators can access a wide range of databases to compile a comprehensive profile of the subject. This includes criminal records, employment history, education verification, and any previous legal issues. Background checks can reveal patterns of behavior, such as a history of infidelity or substance abuse, and provide valuable context that supports the client’s case.
Financial Investigations
Private investigators use various techniques to trace hidden funds. A private detective can investigate financial records, property ownership, bank statements, and other evidence to identify hidden money. They may also investigate undisclosed income sources.
Social Media Investigations
In the digital age, social media profiles are a rich source of information in divorce investigations. Private investigators monitor the online activities of the individuals involved, analyzing posts, photos, videos, and interactions on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Social media can reveal evidence of infidelity, extravagant spending, hidden relationships, and other behaviors
Interviews
A private investigator may interview friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, and other relevant individuals about your husband’s or wife’s behavior and character.
South Carolina is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that spouses don’t need to establish who was responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. However, witness statements that help show your partner was cheating, abusive, or had serious substance abuse problems can influence the outcome of a divorce case.
Public Records Searches
Public records searches are another crucial method used by private investigators to gather information in divorce cases. PIs access various public records, including court documents, property records, marriage and divorce records, business filings, and more. These records can provide evidence of undisclosed properties, prior legal issues, financial status, and other relevant details.
Is PI Evidence Admissible in Court in South Carolina?
Evidence gathered by a licensed private investigator is generally admissible in family court, provided it was obtained legally and ethically. However, it’s crucial to work with a reputable agency like Upstate Private Investigators to ensure all evidence is collected in compliance with state laws and regulations.
However, it’s crucial to work with a reputable agency like Upstate Private Investigators to ensure all evidence is collected in compliance with state laws and regulations.
Key considerations for admissibility include:
- The investigator must be properly licensed.
- All evidence must be obtained through legal means, respecting privacy laws and individual rights.
- The chain of custody for any physical evidence must be properly maintained and documented.
- Any surveillance or recording must comply with South Carolina’s laws regarding consent and privacy.
It’s important to note that while private investigator evidence can be valuable, the court will consider it alongside other factors when making decisions about divorce settlements, child custody, and support arrangements.
Call Our Anderson Private Investigators Right Away!
If you think your spouse is either cheating or hiding assets, and you’re thinking of filing for divorce, wait until you speak with an Anderson private investigator. Let one of our private investigators spend a few weeks or months investigating the matter. We recommend that you call our office today for a free consultation.
One of our agents can explain what services we provide and how much it will cost. If you decide to engage our services, we’ll get started on our investigation right away and keep you apprised of any information we uncover.